Supachai revealed progress in tax negotiations and has secured a meeting slot with the U.S. Deputy Trade Representative in the Philippines tomorrow. She is preparing to propose that Anutin have direct talks to finalize the deal with Trump. She also said a continuous economic stimulus package is being planned following the end of the Thai Ruay Thai Plus program.
At 08:20 on 18 Sep 2026 at the Government House, Supachai Sutthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, spoke about managing trade and domestic products potentially impacted after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25% for the first time in three years. She said the Ministry of Commerce is overseeing product prices, while interest rate matters should be directed to Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Regarding whether there will be other economic stimulus measures after extending the Thai Ruay Thai program for another two months, Supachai admitted there will be. Discussions are ongoing, and the package will be prepared by the Ministry of Economy to consider the overall situation for the last quarter of 2026. Ekniti has already spoken about the two-month extension of Thai Ruay Thai Plus, so the stimulus measures must cover all ministries.
Secured meeting slot with U.S. Deputy Trade Representative; plans to propose direct talks between Anutin and Trump.
Supachai also revealed progress in tax negotiations with the U.S., saying there are still minor details to discuss between Thailand and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR). Tomorrow, she will attend the ASEAN economic ministers’ meeting in the Philippines, where she plans to further discuss with Rick Switzer, U.S. Deputy Trade Representative, aiming to complete the talks.
Regarding arranging a direct call to finalize the tax deal between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump, Supachai said no appointment has been made yet. When asked if further written agreements need to be settled, she nodded and said yes, these are minor details.
When asked if the leaders of both countries will arrange a meeting, Supachai said they should, as this is an issue requiring discussion between the highest leaders of both nations. Regarding the Prime Minister’s request that the U.S. consider special tariff rates for Thailand due to compliance with agreements between Thailand and Cambodia, she said this must be discussed directly by the Prime Minister with the U.S. President. Her role is to finalize the detailed groundwork first.